PRWeek reported last Monday that Cross had been suspended from his role at John Lewis. In a statement at the time, agreed by Cross and John Lewis, the company said: "Peter Cross is unavoidably away from the business for personal reasons. We are expecting him to return shortly."

In a subsequent statement provided late last week, the company said: "John Lewis has clear and thorough procedures to investigate any grievance or disciplinary matters in accordance with the law and with best practice. In this case we have now completed the investigation.

"The partner concerned will return to work very shortly and the matter is now closed. For reasons of confidentiality and privacy we will not be making any further comment."

John Lewis declined to give any further details about the nature of the investigation and Cross declined to comment.